On February 8th, Representative Charles Rangel introduced the
Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2005. This act requires that all
states allow former felons to vote so long as they have completed their
incarceration, parole, and probation. Currently, eight states require
an order or pardon from the governor in order to regain voting rights
after the full completion of a sentence. According to estimates based
on current incarceration rates, 3 in 10 African American males in the
next generation will be disenfranchised at some point in their
lifetime. Passing this bill will be a useful step towards ensuring
equal voting rights for all Americans.Read H.R. 663

There are currently 10 cosponsors. To support this piece of legislation please contact your Congressperson.

"Most Californians register to vote not because a political cause has touched their heart, but rather because they checked a box on a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles when they received or renewed their driverís license."